CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Cervical spine oblique views are specifically designed to visualize the zygapophyseal joints, which are the facet joints located between the vertebrae. These joints are crucial for maintaining the stability and flexibility of the spine. When performing oblique views of the cervical spine, the positioning allows radiologists to see these joints clearly, helping in the assessment of any degenerative changes, alignment issues, or pathologies that may affect joint function.

This view focuses on the orientation of the zygapophyseal joints as they articulate with one another. Therefore, it is common practice to employ cervical spine oblique views when evaluating conditions that could impact the facet joints, such as osteoarthritis, inflammatory diseases, or trauma that could lead to joint dysfunction.

Other options, although relevant to cervical spine assessments, do not specifically correlate with the primary purpose of the oblique view. For instance, while intervertebral disc spaces are assessed through other standard views, and nerve root impingement is typically evaluated using different imaging modalities or standard lateral views, the recognition of zygapophyseal joint spaces is the intended focus when using cervical spine oblique techniques. Additionally, examination of atlantoaxial alignment generally requires specific views rather than the oblique perspectives.